Some people suffer dental misalignment because of the natural presentation of their teeth. However, sometimes, dental misalignment is not due to the natural placement of the teeth. Other factors may have been introduced to cause the teeth to move out of a straight configuration.

Here are a few measures that you can take to help discourage the teeth from becoming crooked.

Wear a Mouthguard

Contact sports provide multiple opportunities for a blow to the mouth. The traumatic impact on the teeth can dislodge a tooth or force the teeth into a crooked configuration. A mouthguard can absorb the shock of a blow, protecting the teeth and preserving the current alignment.

Customized mouthguards can be obtained from your dentist. The guards are created from an impression of your mouth so they fit comfortably over your teeth.

Have Your Wisdom Teeth Removed

Many people don't have enough room in their oral cavity for the straight presentation of the wisdom teeth. The wisdom teeth are the third molars. They erupt in the very rear of the mouth and usually don't appear until a person reaches their teens or early 20s.

Because of the limited space in the mouth, the presentation of the wisdom teeth can place large amounts of pressure on the adjacent molars, forcing them out of alignment. In some cases, a domino effect occurs, causing additional teeth to become misaligned. The extraction of the wisdom teeth preserves the original dental spacing.

Replacing Missing Teeth

Each tooth in the mouth serves as a place-keeper. When a tooth is lost, the adjacent teeth have enough room to migrate from their original positions. This migration can cause dental misalignment. As a result, when a tooth is lost, it is best to replace it as soon as possible. There are multiple tooth-replacement devices available, such as dental bridges and dental implants.

Avoid Thumb-sucking

Some develop a habit of sucking their thumbs during childhood. Many people outgrow the habit. However, some do not and may resort to the practice during periods of stress. Thumb-sucking at any age places undue pressure on the front teeth. As a result, the practice can eventually force the teeth out of alignment and cause problems with the bite. To discourage thumb-sucking, other forms of stress relief, such as chewing gum, exercising, or deep breathing, should be used.

To learn more ways to preserve the straight alignment of your teeth, schedule a consultation with a dentist in your local area.

For more information on how to prevent dental misalignment, contact a dentist like John B Webster DDS.